Zimbabwe hosts first ever MICE Tourism Event during Sanganai

As preparations for the country’s premier tourism and travel exposition, Sanganai/Hlanganani 2013 gather momentum, Zimbabwe is set to host a Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) forum. Building on the recent successful co-hosting of the UNWTO General Assembly in August 2013 and many other varied conferences, Zimbabwe has the potential to become a preferred destination for MICE tourism business in Africa and beyond.

The forum will work towards putting together a well-rounded chapter that will advance the development, positioning and promotion of Zimbabwe as a MICE destination.

The forum will also engender a healthy and open discussion on ways of enhancing Zimbabwe’s capacity and capability in driving this type of tourism business. Thus, the platform will bring together a panel of global and local experts, tourism players and other relevant stakeholders to share knowledge and experiences on the issues of MICE tourism business.

Speakers to highlight the forum include the Chief Executive of Gaining Edge, Gary Grimmer, an international MICE consultant who has worked with leading MICE destinations.

Zimbabwe’s own leaders in the MICE sector to be on the panel include, Glen Byrom – The former owner of Green Route and the current Chief Explorer at Twiice, Daniel Chigaru – the Vice Chairperson of Zimbabwe International Trade Fair Company (former ZITF General Manager), and the ZCT President, Glen Stutchbury, among others.

Fast facts: Sanganai

Dates

10th – 12th October 2013

Venue

Rainbow Towers International Conference Centre, Harare

Programme

10th and 11th are trade days, 12th will be open to the public

Organizers

Zimbabwe Tourism Authority

Speaking on the hosting of the MICE Business forum, the ZTA Chief Executive, Mr. Karikoga Kaseke expressed confidence on Zimbabwe’s potential in driving MICE tourism business which will in turn posit immense benefits to the country.

Being organised by the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA), Sanganai/Hlanganani, the World Travel and Tourism Africa Fair, will take place from 10-12 October, 2013 at the Rainbow Towers International Conference Centre (formerly Harare International Conference Centre).

It seeks to go beyond being just a pan-African tourism showcase, targets National Tourism Boards, embassies, international airlines, tourism destinations, leading tour wholesalers, tour operators, travel agents, leading hotel chains of the world, car hire and transport operators, suppliers of goods and services to the tourism industry, investors, government ministries and parastatals.

To date, more than 137 have registered for participation in the fair that not only presents business-to-business explorations but also culmination of leisure and entertainment activities, like the tourism night, cultural activities, culinary competitions and children activities; thereby providing more networking opportunities.

Mr Chagonda said as part of the on-going preparations, ZTA was recruiting buyers for the Sanganai/Hlanganani fair. “We are recruiting local, regional, and international buyers. We are working closely with industry so that we get credible buyers,” he said.

10 & 11 October will be trade days while 12 October will be a public day.

Tourism Night

One of the most anticipated musical shows of the year. the Tourism night is the climax of Sanganai, where local and international musical talent is showcased. Thousands of people attend the event each year and it is a sight not to be missed. The show is characterized by the Shona saying “Hakudanwi anonzwa” meaning don’t be the one to hear about it be there. The Tourism night dates for 2013 are yet to be finalised.

The cocktail evening gives the media an opportunity to network with the buyers who would have come for the event. This is a smart casual dress code event with a laid back atmosphere for people to enjoy themselves while doing business.

Sanganai showcases the widest variety of Africa’s best tourism products, and attracts international visitors and media from across the world. The Fair is the successor of Shanyai/Vakatshani, the Zimbabwe International Travel Expo (ZITE) that was held annually at the Harare International Conference Centre. ZITE started as a small expo in 1982 and grew over the years to become one of Africa’s leading tourism showcases by 2007.

The past four editions of Sanganai/ Hlanganani were a resounding success and attracted the leading African destinations and major world tourism markets such as South Africa, Botswana, Malaysia, China, Zambia, Malawi, Kenya, Indonesia, Italy and many others. The editions have seen the whole world converging in Zimbabwe in the form of high calibre international buyers as well as exhibitors, hence achieving its main purpose of bringing the world to Africa, “Where the world meets Africa”.